It's a Small World, After All ...

October 22, 2007 - Phyllis Sigal

Yes, I was in Florida, but not at Disneyworld where the happy song is known to play.

I was sitting in the parlor of a lovely bed and breakfast inn, the Old Powder House Inn, in St. Augustine. It was cocktail hour when the guests gather to meet, have a glass of wine or sherry, some snacks, and most important, get to know each other. So, of course, the first question that passes among the guests is "Where are you from?"

West Virginia, we say.

"I'm from West Virginia," says a guest. "Weirton."

So of course, we blurt out that we're from Wheeling, and then explain excitedly to the others that Wheeling and Weirton are just about 20 minutes apart.

Richard, who now lives in West Palm Beach, and his wife, Kristie, were at the inn celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary, on Oct. 19. We were celebrating our 26th anniversary, Oct. 18.

Richard then says, "My first cousin lives in Wheeling." Kathy, he says her name is, used to be married to a doctor ...

Kathy Schultz, I ask? Why, yes! That's it!

She's a friend of mine ... she was just at my house a couple of days ago. Did you know her cat died?

Richard did ... his mom, Kathy's mom's sister ... just told him today.

And the stories go on .... at breakfast the next day, one of the guests (who was not at the cocktail hour the evening before) perked up when she heard "Wheeling" mentioned, again. Her best friend is from Wheeling ... sadly, we didn't know her.

A small world. Far from home, it's comforting to find the connections.